1976 Mini 14 question on dates

[my8trax]

Hi, I have owned for a long time a Mini-14. Serial no. 180-29014. A call to Ruger indicated that it was shipped in 1976. My question is were all of the 1976 manufacture Mini-14's stamped with the 200 years of freedom (not sure if wording is correct), or did come thru without this stamp.....or could mine have been made in 1975 and shipped out in 76. Thanks for you thoughts on this.

Oliver

 

[mohavesam]

"Yes" to all of your questions. It is Ruger remember.
Ruger says they started 1976 with s/n 180-28282, so I'd guess yours was built and shipped in that year.
http://ruger.com/service/productHistory/RI-Mini14.html

 

[rugerguy]

welcome to the Forum, all the ones we had or saw back then, , and recall if made that year (1976) were roll marked 'Made in the 200th year of American Liberty"....that being said,maybe your parts were made before or after, and assembles then????? we KNOW the "list" of serial numbers out by the factory is full of discreptions.
Keep in mind that your gun , or any of them with the 180 prefix are NO LONGER supported by the factory or any parts available........ 8) :roll: ( I know as I had one the bolt lug sheared off, and was returned to them, and back to me,UNREPAIRABLE......)

 

[chet15]

Mini-14's made in late 1975 without the "MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY" rollmark are actually known as high as 180-31666.
As mentioned, and also quoted by Ruger themselves at the time, only those guns "expected to be shipped during 1976 would be marked with the "MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY" rollmark".
Chet15